At Plunge Pools Brisbane, we can turn small backyards into private escapes. We know how to maximise limited space, designing durable, efficient, and stylish pools that fit your space and your lifestyle.
This guide will help you choose the best pool shape for a compact backyard. We’re talking space-saving designs and key features to make sure your swimming pool works, fits, and looks amazing.
Why Plunge Pools Are Perfect for Brisbane Homes
Brisbane’s got heat. The kind that makes the pavement shimmer and turns your backyard into a blazing-hot wasteland. A pool? That sounds nice, especially for a homeowner looking to install a pool. But what if your yard is more postage stamp than paradise? That’s where a plunge pool saves the day. Small footprint, big relief—it cools you down, gives you a place to kick back, and even boosts your home’s value without devouring your whole yard.
1. Space-Saving
Brisbane’s homes are shrinking, but the dream of a pool doesn’t have to. A plunge pool may squeeze into tight spaces—narrow strips, odd corners, or anywhere you can dig a hole. It fits where a standard swimming pool won’t, leaving room for gardens, patios, or a deck with a cold drink waiting.
2. Low Maintenance
Big pools mean big upkeep—scrubbing, skimming, endless chemicals. Plunge pools? Easy.
- Less water = fewer chemicals
- Smaller surface = quicker cleaning for pools that may be installed in small spaces.
- Compact size = heats up fast, perfect for cool nights by the pool in a small yard.
Less time cleaning, balancing, fixing—more time splashing, soaking, and enjoying.
3. Won’t Drain Your Wallet
Think pools cost a fortune? Not these!
Plunge pools need less digging, fewer materials, and less water than standard swimming pools. That means:
- Lower installation costs
- Cheaper to run
- More money left for BBQs and beers
A cool outdoor space with a plunge pool—all the relaxation, none of the sky-high expenses.
4. Looks That Stun
A plunge pool isn’t just functional—it’s a showpiece that pool can offer for small backyards. Add tiles, mood lighting, waterfalls, or decking to your inground swimming pool and turn your backyard into a modern retreat or tropical hideaway. It’s small but striking—a pool that draws the eye and invites a dip.
5. Built for Relaxation
Not all pools are made for laps and cannonballs. A plunge pool is for soaking, floating, and letting the stress melt away. Add built-in seating, massage jets, or heating, and suddenly, you’ve got a backyard spa.
Small yard? Doesn’t matter. Big heat? Handled. A plunge pool is your personal oasis, right outside your door.
Best Plunge Pool Shapes for Small Backyards
Backyards come in all shapes and sizes, but space is always at a premium. The right plunge pool shape can mean the difference between a cramped waterhole and a sleek backyard escape. Pick the wrong one, and you’ll be tripping over deck chairs. Pick the right one, and you’ll have a stunning inground pool design.
Here’s how to make every inch count:
1. Rectangular Plunge Pools
- Perfect for tight spaces
- Modern design with sharp edges in a concrete pool.
- Works with built-in seating and spa jets
A rectangle pools is the go-to choice for narrow backyards. Straight edges are one of the most popular pool choices in modern design; it maximise your space, and the design blends into modern outdoor layouts. Want to swim, stretch out, or soak in a heated spa section? This shape’s got you covered.
2. Circular Plunge Pools
- Great for corners or as a centrepiece
- Soft, rounded edges for a natural look
- Ideal for lounging and conversation
A circular plunge pool doesn’t just fit into a compact space—it owns it. As one of the popular pool shapes, its rounded edges create the illusion of more space, especially when paired with fiberglass pools. It draws the eye outward instead of boxing it in. Great for entertaining; even better for sinking into warm water with a drink in hand.
3. Freeform Plunge Pools
- Best for odd-shaped backyards, where pools for small spaces can fit perfectly.
- Blends with landscaping, trees, and stonework
- Perfect for adding waterfalls and natural features
If your yard is more puzzle piece than perfect rectangle, a freeform plunge pool is the answer. The flowing shape makes it look like the best of both worlds in your backyard—a natural pond, especially when paired with rock features and lush plants. It’s the closest thing to a hidden jungle pool—without leaving Brisbane.
4. Square Plunge Pools
- Fits ultra-small yards and courtyards
- Perfect for a minimalist, modern style
- Pairs well with spa jets and heating
If space is tight, a square plunge pool packs a big impact into a small footprint. The symmetry makes it feel calm and structured, while the deep design lets you soak in warm, bubbling water without needing extra room.
5. L-Shaped Plunge Pools
- Uses corner space efficiently
- Divides the pool into two sections
- Works well for both lounging and deeper soaking in a small size pool.
Got an awkward backyard layout? An L-shaped plunge pool turns dead space into functional space. One side for floating and chatting, the other for cool dips or deeper soaking. A smart way to stretch your backyard’s potential.
6. Oval Plunge Pools
- Soft, stretched-out shape that fits tight spaces
- Works with modern and classic designs
- Ideal for yards that are longer than they are wide
A noval plunge pool gives you the best of both worlds—the gentle curves of a circular pool but with extra swimming space. It takes up less space than other shapes, making it perfect for narrow yards without feeling cramped. Clean, simple, and effortlessly stylish.
7. Kidney-Shaped Plunge Pools
- Curved, organic shape that looks effortless
- Divides shallow and deep sections naturally
- Perfect for built-in seating, waterfalls, and greenery
A kidney-shaped pool isn’t just about looks—it’s designed to make sense. One side is for lounging, the other for cool dips. The curve hugs the backyard like it was always meant to be there, giving you a pool that’s practical, stylish, and just a little different.
The Bottom Line? Shape Of Your Pool Matters
Pick the right type of pool shape, and your small backyard becomes a private escape. Pick the wrong one, and you’ll be stuck with a glorified bathtub taking up space. Think size, shape, and function—then dive in before the heat gets you.
Conclusion
A small backyard doesn’t mean you can’t have a pool worth jumping into. Choose from a variety of shapes and sizes, and that tiny patch of grass transforms into a cool, inviting retreat. A rectangular pool gives you clean lines. A freeform pool blends into the landscape. An oval or plunge pool saves space without sacrificing style.
At Plunge Pools Brisbane, we turn tight spaces into backyard escapes. Small pools, big impact. Cool water, endless relaxation. Call us today. Let’s make your dream pool a reality.
What’s Next?
Read this article: Small Backyard Pool Landscaping Ideas for Compact Spaces. This guide is stacked with smart, space-saving tricks that’ll make your backyard feel twice the size (without actually lifting a single brick).
And up next? Why Plunge Pools Are Perfect for Small Backyards. This one will show you exactly why a plunge pool is the ultimate cheat code for luxury living in a tight spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which Pool Shape Makes a Small Yard Look Bigger?
A rectangular or oval plunge pool stretches the space, drawing the eye outward with clean lines and open edges. Freeform pools curve and twist, blending into the landscape like they were always meant to be there, making a tiny backyard feel endless.
2. How Do I Maximise Space with a Small Backyard Pool?
Stick that rectangular or L-shaped pool tight against a fence or corner. Every inch counts. Built-in seating, a tanning ledge, or an infinity edge—each one makes the pool work harder, keeping the space open, clear, and ready for anything.
3. Can Small Pools Have a Deep End?
Oh, they can—but don’t just drop off like a cliff into the abyss. A gradual slope keeps things practical. Deeper plunge pools turn into relaxation zones, while compact lap pools with even depths make swimming smooth and effortless.
4. What Are the Best Water Features for Small Pools?
Cascading waterfalls. Deck jets. LED lights. They turn basic into breathtaking. A wall-mounted fountain saves space but never sacrifices style. Add a bubbler or an infinity edge, and suddenly, your small pool feels like something out of a five-star resort.
5. How Can I Make My Small Pool Look More Luxurious?
Mosaic tiles shimmer. Travertine coping adds class. Glass fencing keeps the view clean. Then there’s the real magic—underwater LED lights, a built-in spa, an infinity edge. Top it off with lush landscaping and sleek decking, and you’ve got a backyard masterpiece.
